Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pulmonary Tuberculosis?
A pulmonologist, a lung specialist, often treats pulmonary tuberculosis. Infectious disease doctors also help, and public health departments are usually involved because the disease can spread between people. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Pulmonary tuberculosis, often called TB, is a bacterial infection that attacks the lungs. The germs spread through the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Some people carry the bacteria without feeling sick, which is called latent tuberculosis; when the bacteria become active, symptoms develop and the illness can spread.
Symptoms
Active tuberculosis usually causes a cough lasting more than three weeks, sometimes with blood or mucus, plus chest pain when breathing or coughing. Other signs include fever, night sweats, chills, appetite loss, weight loss, and fatigue. Symptoms come on slowly, so people may think they just have a lingering cold.
Causes and who gets it
A germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes this disease, traveling in tiny droplets released by someone with active tuberculosis. Not everyone who breathes it in gets sick; the body often walls it up in a dormant state. People with weak immune systems, such as those with HIV or diabetes, face higher risk, as do those in crowded conditions.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors start with a health history and physical exam. A skin or blood test can show prior exposure to the germs. If so, a chest X-ray and mucus sample can confirm the bacteria and show which medicines will kill them.
Treatment
Tuberculosis is treated with a combination of antibiotics taken for six months or longer, usually more than one at a time because the bacteria can develop resistance. It is vital to finish every dose; stopping early can let the bacteria return in a drug-resistant form.
When to see a doctor
Anyone with a cough lasting more than three weeks should contact a doctor, especially if it brings up blood or if fever, night sweats, and weight loss appear together. Anyone exposed to active tuberculosis should ask about testing, even without symptoms.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can order tests, arrange X-rays, and manage latent tuberculosis, referring active cases to a specialist.
Common questions
Is tuberculosis still a problem today?
Yes, tuberculosis still occurs in the United States and around the world, though it is much less common here than in the past. Cases do appear each year. This is especially true among people who travel from or have ties to countries where the disease is more widespread.
Can I get tuberculosis from shaking hands or sharing food?
No. The germs spread only through the air when a person with active lung disease coughs or speaks. You cannot catch it from handshakes, dishes, or touching surfaces.
What is the difference between latent and active tuberculosis?
Latent tuberculosis means the germs are in your body but not making you sick, and you cannot spread them. Active tuberculosis means the germs are multiplying and causing symptoms, and you can pass the illness to others.
Why does treatment take so long?
The tuberculosis bacteria grow slowly and hide inside the body, so medicines need many months to fully clear them. Stopping early can allow the infection to return in a drug-resistant form that is much harder to treat.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Tuberculosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About Tuberculosis | Tuberculosis (TB)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
